Picture this: You're an agent for the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement (AGE) division and the Gambling Control Board reports an organization is missing more than $280,000 after a recent audit. It's your job to find the missing money. Would you have any idea where to start?

Those who took AGE's Citizens Academy learned exactly what our agents do to prevent bad actors that operate games like pull-tabs, raffles and bingo from walking away with your cash.

Our special agents work hard to protect consumers and make sure alcohol and gambling laws and rules are followed. That includes investigating criminal and regulatory offenses. Attendees will learn about our agency, the criminal and civil processes, Minnesota's alcohol and gambling laws, evidence collection and more.

“This is a great opportunity to get a look behind-the-scenes of the hard work our alcohol and gambling investigators do every day," AGE Agent Brad Rezny said.

Rezny​ organized AGE's first academy to show Minnesotans how we serve them. AGE oversees two highly regulated industries, both of which evolve constantly. The team balances providing service to the industry with protecting the public to make sure everyone in Minnesota can enjoy a friendly wager or alcoholic beverage responsibly.

Participants used the information learned and applied it to their own mock investigations. They also got to meet AGE's K-9 Bia and see her in action. The German shorthaired pointer is trained to sniff out U.S. currency.

Our division includes sworn law enforcement officers who provide education, investigation and enforcement services to local governments, the Gambling Control Board, the Minnesota Racing Commission, the State Lottery and the 11 tribal governments that own and operate 18 tribal casinos in Minnesota. Our regulatory and licensing staff are subject matter experts who work with authorities throughout the state, as well as stakeholders in the alcohol and gambling industries, to ensure everyone can enjoy a cold beer or friendly wager safely.

It's not just about making sure people follow the law; it's about consumer protection. Without AGE, there's no way to know if the betting will be run fairly. And there are no processes in place to identify and assist with problem gambling.